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Travel to One of These Fun Cities on Your Next Vacation

This is Part II is a series of articles on cities of the world that would be fun and interesting to visit. By traveling to other countries we get to experience different cultures, lifestyles and cuisine. Take time to check out some of these wonderful places and go have a vacation of a life time.

Beijing China has a population of 7.5 million people and is China’s cultural and political capital. Many people will be visiting Beijing as the 2008 Summer Olympics is being held there. A visit to the Imperial Palace, known as the Forbidden City, is a must. It has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1987. All of the rulers of the Ming and Qing dynasties governed from the Imperial Palace. Today, the Imperial Palace is a museum the exhibits the imperial and palace treasures. The Summer Palace of the Jin Emperors which is on the outskirts of Beijing is a great place to visit. It has a large lake, covered walkways, historical structures, pavilions and wonderful gardens to enjoy. If you want to travel about 43 miles from the city you can visit the Ming Tombs in Shisaling. While there, go another 19 miles and visit the Great Wall as it winds through the hills of northern China.

Munich Germany has a population of 1.28 million people. If you like good beer, parks and a city that has both tradition and modernism then you will enjoy a visit to Munich. The famous Octoberfest is held each fall in the many shaded beer gardens that line the streets. The Marienplaz is the most popular and best known of the many squares in the city. You can see the new and old city halls that are beside each other, and St Peter’s is also close by. Munich is the home of many actors, artists, television celebrities because Munich is one of Germany’s leading publishing and television centers. There are many historical attractions to visit. In olden days, the Bavarian Monarchs, Dukes, Princes and Kings lived in Munich. Nymphenburg Palace was the summer residence of the Bavarian rulers, is one of the most popular spots. If you like architectural treasures, don’t miss the 325 feet tall Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady) along with Munich’s Twin Towers. There is so much to do and see in Munich that you will want to spend more than one day there.

New York City, USA is the largest city in the USA and offers the visitor everything that they want. New York is sometimes called the gateway to the “Promise Land”. A visit to Time’s Square, especially during the New Years countdown is an unforgettable experience. There are many museums, art, science and history; all have famous collections to view. MoMa, the Museum of Modern Art has one the world’s most important collections of contemporary paintings, sculpture and designs. One must visit the most famous lady of the city, the Statue of Liberty (Lady Liberty), as she stands on Liberty Island and greets all who enters the New York Harbor. The Brooklyn Bridge, Greenwich Village and the many theaters will make a visit to this city a vacation of a life time.

Nairobi, Kenya is the largest city in East Africa. Its name means “Cool River” and has a population of 2.75 million people. Its history is tied to Britain’s colonial railway projects in Africa. A visit to the Railroad Museum with its old photographs and other railroad items will be enjoyable to the train enthusiast. The city is a contrast between the rich and the poor. Crime is high in the surrounding areas so leave the city only on an official safari tour or driving to the airport. The National Museum offers the visitor many things about Nairobi, the lifestyles and cultures of the native people. The different flora and fauna’s are display for all to see and understand. Art works of Joy Adamson (1910-1980) is on display. She is best known for her book “Born Free”. To walk downtown, you will want to go down Moi Ave, located not far from the Railroad Museum. Moi Ave leads to the central business district and offers to nice parks, the Uhuru and the Central. You can enjoy the shade and relax next to a small artificial lake.

Jerusalem Israel has a population of 700,000 people and is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Jerusalem offers many sacred sites, for Jews and Christians it is the Holy City, for Moslems it’s the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina. The old city of Jerusalem is divided into four districts, The Armenian Quarter on the southwest, the Christian Quarter, on the northwest, the Jewish Quarter on the southeast and the Moslem Quarter on the northeast. You must visit the Wailing Wall; it is a 1,300 foot long section of the retaining wall of the terrace atop the Temple Mount where Herod the Great built his Jewish temple. The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic monument built atop the Temple Mount over the place where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. A must visit is to the Mount of Olives on the eastern outskirts of Jerusalem. It has great significance for all of the three major religions.

Rio de Janeiro Brazil has a population of 6 million people and is bordered by thick jungles. The statue of Christ that is atop the Corcovado is the best know symbol of Rio de Janeiro. It is a city of contrasts, luxury one side of the street and poor on the other side. Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks and has a tramway that was built in 1913 that goes all the way to the top, 1292 feet. Rio de Janeiro is a city of music, dance and is known for its parties and carnivals. There are more than 12 miles of beautiful beaches; the Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are all located south of Sugarloaf. If you enjoy soccer, two of the best teams, Flamengo and Fluminense are located in the city. You will want to visit the Floriano Plaza, one of the most impressive plazas in Rio de Janeiro, also close by are cafes, bars and cinemas to visit and enjoy. There many beautiful buildings and theaters to view and to photograph. If you want a fun time in the sun, on wonderful beaches, then Rio de Janeiro is the place to visit.